Ski binding



March 12, 1946. K HENRICHSEN 2,396,373

SKI-BINDING Filed Jan. 2, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l A TTOR/vfKs.

March 12, 1946. K HENR|CHSEN 2,396,373

SKI-BINDING 'Filed Jan. 2, 1941 2 sheds-sheet 2.

/N VEN To@ A Tro @N5 K5.

Patented Mar. 12, 1946 UNITED STATES `PATENT OFFICE SKI BINDING Knut Henrichsen, West Los Angeles, Calif.

Application January 2, 1941, Serial No. 372,712

(Cl. BSU-11.35)

26 Claims.

My invention relates to a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski.

It is desirable in such a ski-binding to hold the forward portion of the sole of the shoe xed with respect to the ski and to permit the heel to move up and down with respect to the ski to compensate for normal heel motion during walking.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide a novel ski-binding incorporating novel means for guiding the heel.

Conventional ski-bindings now widely used include a strap-like device extending around the heel in a groove, being inclined downward to extend along the sides of the ski under suitable hooks and thence forward to an adjustable clamp. The tension in such a strap-like device is extremely high to insure that the forward portion of the sole will be retained in a suitable clamping device. Its use requires specially constructed ski shoes with heavy (and usually longitudinallyreinforced) soles of sufficient rigidity to withstand, without undue bending, the large forward pull exerted by the strap-like device. The tension in such a strap-like device must be large also to exert a downward pull on the heel, for the available leverage with respect to the hook support is necessarily small, the lever arm being usually about one inch.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel ski-binding in which large forces are not transmitted through the sole, thus permitting the use of thinner soles and alleviating the discomfort attendant upon the use of relatively inflexible soles.

Ano-ther object of the invention is to provide a novel ski-binding eliminating the limited leverage available in conventional devices for the exertion of a downward force on the heel.

Another very important object of the invention is to provide a ski-binding in which the heel is definitely guided in its up and down motion.

Still another Object is to provide a device in which the heel is prevented from sidewise rocking (as hereinafter defined) during its up and down "i Yet another object of the invention is to provide a ski-binding which can be readily detached or released and, in some embodiments, to provide for automatic release of the heel should the heel be raised forcefully beyond a predetermined maximum position, thus providing for automatic release in case of a fall.

Other objects of the invention lie in the provision of a heel member which is movable longitudinally with respect to the ski.

Another object is to provide a ski-binding, no

portion of which extends downward along the sides of the ski, thereby greatly decreasing snow drag. The present invention also contemplates the mounting of the sole a distance above the top of the ski to prevent snow drag from this source when advancing through soft snow, and to prevent collection and packing of snow in a limited space between the ski and the sole-a defect attendant upon the use of conventional ski-binders and which tends to render skiing uncomfortable.

Another object of the invention is to construct a ski-binding which provides for interchangeability between feet, thus eliminating the necessity of determining which ski is to be used on the right foot and which on the left. Also, the invention contemplates a ski-binding which is adaptable for all usages, such as jumping, climbing, gliding, walking, etc., and which can be adapted to shoes of various sizes.

Other objects of the invention lie in a novel sole-retaining means for attaching the sole of a shoe to a ski, or similar device, and which can well provide means pivoting about a predetermined transverse axis, and, if desired, means Apivoting about other axes, al1 to the end of producing a better attachment for the sole and providing for adjustment to accommodate soles of different thickness and width.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident to those skilled in the art from the following description disclosing several embodiments of the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the heel member and heel element shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a front view taken as indicated by the arrow 4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a rear view of the ski-binding with the heel in elevated position similar to Figure 8;

Figure 6 is a sectional view, taken on the line 6-5 of Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view showing the position of the linkage when the heel is raised to a rst position;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic View showing the position of the linkage when the heel is raised to a higher position representing the predetermined or extreme positio-n in normal use; and

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view showing the position of the linkage when the heel is raised to an even higher or emergency-release position.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 to 5, I have shown a section of a conventional ski III equipped with the ski-binding device of the invention, which is mounted near the central portion of the ski as in convention-a1 usage. The outline of a shoe is indicated generally by the dotted lines I I. The ski-binding, in general, includes a soleretaining means I2 and a heel-retaining means I 3, which will be separately described.

The sole-retainingr means I2 is best shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, and includes a sole-engagement means disposed on each sideof the ski and indicated generally by the numerals I5 and I5. In the preferred embodiment, each such means includes a horizontal member I6 (best shown in Figure 4) which is bent to form an upward-extending member I'I. A sole-engaging member I8 provides a vertically extending portion which is pivoted to the upward-extending member I'I, as by an enlarged-'head rivet I9. The upper end of the sole-engaging member I8 includes an inwardbent portion 20 adapted to extend a distance inward above the sole 2| of the shoe II, diagrammatically shown in Figures 1 and 2.

It is desirable that the bottom of the sole '2l should be supported a distance above the top surface of the ski, indicated by the numeral 22, and that the lower portion of the sole 2I should rest upon an adjustable platform, indicated generally by the numeral 23, While this platform can be formed of a unitary plate, I prefer to make it sectional, using two sole plates 24 and 24 in this connection, shaped generally as indicated in Figure 1 and being positioned so as to clear the sole-engaging members I8.

A suitable spacer means is used to retain the platform 23 in elevated position. As best shown in Figure 4l, the spacer means to the right includes a longitudinally-extending spacer bar 26, preferably formed of fiber or some semi-resilient means, together with a plurality of spacer elements 2?, the number of which serve to adjust the vertical position of the platform 23 With respect to the top surface 22 of the ski. I prefer to mount the elements of the sole-retaining means I2 on the top of the ski, as indicated best in Figures 2 and 4, using in this connection four screws 28 passing through corresponding holes in the sole plates 2li, the spacer bar 26, the spacer elements 2l, and the horizontal member I 6, these screws being received by the ski I0,

Several advantages are gained by use of this type of sole-retaining means. In the first place, it will be clear that the sole is positioned between the inward-bent portion 2n and the top of the platform 23. The device can be made to compensate for soles of various thickness by removing the screws and decreasing or increasing the number of spacer elements 2l. In the second place, no portion of the sole-retaining means I2 will extend downward on the sides of the ski -to form an impediment. In fact, the elevated platform 23 permits the sole of the shoe to be retained at all times a distance above the top 22 of the ski, thus preventing dragging'of the sole when moving through soft snow, In the third place, the distance and angle between the sole-engagement means I5 and I5 can be varied to accommodate different sizes and shapes of soles at the time the sole-retaining means I2 is connected to the ski.

In the fourth place, an important feature of this construction resides in the pivoting of the sole-engaging members I8 with respect to the upward-extending member Il. This permits the establishment of a definite pivotal axis in the general vicinity of the ball of the foot and, preferably, a slight distance forward therefrom. All

of the up and down motion of the heel can be around this pivotal axis provided by the rivets I9, o-r a portion o-f the heel motion can be taken care of by sole` exure, as in the embodiment shown. This construction is adaptable to various ski bindings and other related devices, and prevents the inward-bent portions 20 from digging into the upper edge of the sole when the heel is raised and lowered repeatedly. If the sole plates 2li extend forward of this pivotal axis, the for- Ward-extending portions can be depressed slightly to permit a relatively free pivoting action.

Extending between the sole-retaining means I2 and the heel-retaining means I3 at a position between the shoe and the ski is a means which can be used for resiliently urging these means toward each other. This means is shown as includin r an adjustable strap 30 looped through an opening 3| of the heel-retaining means I3, the other end being looped around a spring member 32, best shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, This spring member serves resiliently to retain the forward end of the strap 30 if this strap does not already possess suflicient resiliency. This spring member is bent into a form` shown in Figure 1, and its ends extend into transverse openings 33 of the spacer bars 26. Forward thereof, the spring member 32 is bent to form two loops 34 and thence extends rearward into the space between the spacer bars 26 to provide a cross bar around which the strap 3i) is looped. This construction urges the front end of the strap resiliently for- W-ard and, by adjusting the length of the strap, various tensions can be obtained.

The heel-retaining means I3 of the invention is designed, in its preferred embodiment, for quick attachment or detachment of the shoe, and more particularly the heel, In this embodiment, the construction shown serves three additional very advantageous results. In the rst place, it guides the heel in its up and down motion to move exclusively in a longitudinal plane which is substantially at right angle to the horizontal axial plane of the ski. It thus prevents lateral motion of the heel with respect to the ski and guides its up and down motion. In the second place, the mechanism of the preferred embodiment is designed to prevent sidewise rocking of the heel with respect to the ski, this being true regardless of the degree of vertical movement of the heel. By this, I have reference to preventing rocking of the heel about an axis generally longitudinal of the shoe, i. e., preventing the heel from rotating about a fore-and-aft axis. The mechanism maintains any transverse line drawn across the bottom of the heel substantially parallel to the top surface 22 of the ski regardless of the heel elevation. The mechanism does not im- Jski. moveolfdownward, the portions 44 slide along the pede the desired ankle movement used vinlturning, while at the same time it vprovides a novel correlation in which the heel cannot rock with Arespect to the ski.

The construction and various other advantages of this portion of the invention can best be determined by reference to Figures l, 2, 3, and to 9. Referring thereto, the mechanism contains a heel member adapted for connection'to the heel 36 of the shoe Il. By this term, I have vreference to a connection to the heel or at a position close thereto.

The preferred heel member 35 and heel-attachment means can best be understood by reference to Figures 2 and 3. The heel member 3-5 is preferably pressed from relatively strong sheet metal and provides a base 31 with lianges 38 bent upward for rigidity and preferablysloped forward,

4as indicated in Figure.2. At the Vrear of the base 31, the flanges 38 continue upward to provide arms 39. The forward vpart of the base 31 provides the opening 3| for reception of the'strap 3U.

To attach the heel to this heel member, this embodiment of the invention provides a heelattachment means including a plate 40 which can be attached to the lower surface of the heel 36, or countersunk, or otherwise embedded therein.. As shown, this plate 40 vprovides openings 4| for the reception of screws .extending upward into the heel. The rear of this plate 40 may be shaped to conform to 'the rear of the heel, but provides notches 42, leaving a rearward-extending portion of such transverse dimensiones to extend between the arms 39 with only a slight clearance.

At the junction of the iianges 38 and the arms 39 is formed a groove means for the reception of the plate 40, this means being shown as including grooves 43 adapted to receive portions 44 of the plate 40, and adapted thus to lock the plate 40 with respect to the heel member 35.

The heel member 35 is movable longitudinally with respect to the ski Il)- To permit this and to permit an up and down motion thereof, this heel member is not rigidly connected to theski but, in effect, floats with respect to the top surface 22, being resiliently urged forward by the strap 30. To prevent contact between the heel member and the ski and to provide for a definite spacing between the base 31 and the lower surface of the heel 36, I provide lower and upper pads 45 disposed, respectively, below and above the base 31. These pads are preferably formed, in whole or in part, of rubber, fiber, or other somewhat resilient material, and may be generally T-shaped, as shown, being secured to the base 31 as by rivets 46. The lower pad 45 transmits the heel pressure to the top surface 22 of the ski, and retains the base 31 spaced from this top surface. It acts to some extent as a cushion for the heel, The upper pad 45 assists in vtransmitting the heel pressure downward to the base ,31 and functions also to retain the plate 4|) against the upper walls of the grooves 43,

To provide for an extremely easy attachment of the shoe to the ski-binding, a cam means is used which is pressure-actuated to lock the heel in position. By way of example, the arms 39 provide c-am surfaces 41which extend upward and rearward, as best shown in Figures 2 and .3. When the plate 40 attachedto the heel 36 ispositioned so that its rearward-extending portion is betweenthe arms 39, it is only necessary to apply ones weightto the heel to "lock the shoe to the .heel member 35.

When theplate140 is thus positioned-and .cams 41, drawing vthe heel member 35 rearward .againstthe resilient forward force until the por- ;tions 44 are opposite the grooves 43, at which time the strap 30 pulls the heel member 35 for- 4ward sothat theportions 44 are locked in these grooves. An important feature of this construction is that the grooves 43 are spaced a substan- .tial distancefrom each other, thus giving a twopoint support for the heel and preventing any 'sidewise rocking of the heel with respect to the In addition, this construction provides for an easy release of the heel and this can be accomplished merely by moving the heel member35 rearward. This can be accomplished, as willbe hereinafter described, by pressure applied to ,the .linkage guiding the motion of the heel member 35,

.To control the locus of motion `of the heel member 35an'd to prevent sidewise rocking there- .of with respect tothe ski, I prefer to use some type of linkage, one end of the linkage being con- -an axis A-A transverse and parallel to the top surface 22 of the ski. The link members 5| and 52 are pivoted relative to each other on an axis B-B parallel to the axis A-A, and the link member 52 is pivoted to the heel member 35 on an axis C-C, also parallel to the axis A-A. By designing the link members to resist torsion and lateral bending, sidewise rocking of the heel will .be prevented.

As best shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, pivoting on the axis A-A can be accomplished by use of a pivot means attached to the ski and which may consist of an attachment means including a transverse member 53 providing a lower flange 54 held to the ski by screws 55. Extending sidewise from the member 53 are conical pivot pins `56 extending into correspondingly tapered pivot openings disposed at the lower ends of two arms 51 forming a part of the link member 5|. These arms 51 are held in spaced relationship by a .together.

spacer member 58, used in conjunction with two washers59. The spacer member 53 is drilled to receive two `bolts 60, which clamp the structure The thickness of the washers 5S is such as to journal properlythe conical pivot pins 56 in their respective openings. The spacer member 58 is generally U-shaped at its lower end to provide aspacefor a roller 62 journalled on the lower bolt 60.

Pivotal connection between the link members 5|.,and 52 on the axis B-B is provided by conical pivot pins 64 extending outward from each side ofthe linkmember 52 into correspondingly tapered openings formed in the upper ends of the arms 51 of the link member 5|. In the same way, pivotal Vattachment between the link member 52 and the heel member 35 about the axis` C-'C is provided by conical pivotpins B6 extend- ,ing into correspondingly tapered openings 61 of the` arms 39.

The link member 52 is formed of two U-shaped members 68 and 69, the side walls of these telescoping with respect to each other, as best shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6. A bolt 10, or other pivot means, serves to pivot the members 68 and 69 with respect to each other. Thepoint of pivoting is preferably not equidistant between the pivotal axes C-C and B--B but is usually closer to the latter to proportion properly the forces at the three bearing points when these bearings are adjusted.

'To provide for adjustment o-f these bearings determining the pivotal axes A--A, B-B, and C-C, I prefer a structure in which the pressure at each bearing point is automatically adjusted by use of a single adjustment means. This adv justment means includes the bolts B and their associated nuts, whether or not washers 59 are used. In the absence of the washers 59, r if compressible washers are used, if the nuts are tightened, this will move the arms l closer together and apply more `pressure to the conical pivot pins 56 and t5.. Usually, it is preferable to use washers 59 which are substantially noncompressible and, when adjustment is desired, it is only necessary to remove these washers and replace them with thinner ones. pressure on the corneal pivot pins Gt will pivot the U-shaped members 63 and 69 about the bolt 1E! and spread the conical pivot pins 6B relative to the corresponding opening el of the heel member 35. justed simultaneously. In additiony the spacer member 5S and the pivot provided by the bolt 1.9 are positioned so as to distribute properly the bearing pressure applied at the three pivotal aXes. Maximum loads are taken by the conical pivot pins 55 and the spacer member 58 is closer thereto than to the pivot pins 64. The forces taken by the pins "d6 are less than those taken by the pins 64 so that the bolt il) is placed closer to the latter.

It is sometimes desirable not be resiliently restrain the up and down motion of the heel member 35. The mechanism thus far described permits such free up and down motion within the limits of the linkage. In other instances, it is desirable to apply a resilient downward force to the heel member 3E and Figures l, 2, and 5 show the preferred mode of accomplishing this result.

Referring thereto, a resilient member l2 is used in this connection and is shown as comprising a continuous band or belt of rubber, though it will be apparent that-.only a portion of such a beltlike member need be made of resilient material. As shown, one end of this resilient member is operatively connected to the heel member 35, as by being placed in a link i3 bent from a piece of heavy wire and with its ends curved t0 form a bifurcated hook 'le extending over a pin 15 eX- tending through the link member 52. From this point, the resilient member 'E2 extends downward beneath the roller 62 and thence rearward to another link l5 bent to form a bifurcated hook 'il which can be inserted in any one of a number of openings i8 provided by a retaining member 'i9 secured to the top of the ski. As the hook I1 is inserted in openings further toward the rear of the ski, the tension in the resilient member will increase and the resilient downward force applied to the heel will also increase. It will be understood that the forward end of this resilient member, or other means for exerting a resilient downward force on the heel member 35, can be attached to the heel member or to the linkage in various positions without departing from the Increased inward Correspondingly, all bearings can be ad-` fspirit of the invention. The resilient member serves not only to exert a pull on the heel when 'locked to the heel member but also to hold the linkage and heel member in a position near the ski for ready attachment of the shoe.

Figures 2, 7, 8, and 9 best show the successive positions of the linkage as the heel 36 is raised. From these it will be apparent that raising of the heel pulls upward on the forward end of the resilient member, thus stretching it and causing it to roll around the roller 52. The resilient downward force is not constant but increases as the heel is lifted from its 'position-shown .in Figure 2 to its position shown in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 3 indicates the position of the linkage as the heel approaches a maximum or predetermined posi- Y tion.

Until the mechanism reaches the position shown in Figure 8, and in some instances slightly therebeyond, it is essential that the heel member 35 remain locked with respect to the heel 36. The strap 35 and its associated spring member 32 serve somewhat to increase the forward pull on the heel member as the heel is lifted, thus insuring this result. However, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is desirable to release automatically the heel from the heel member should the heel be violently lifted beyond a predetermined position. A slow raising of the heel without exerting a large amount of force after the desired position has been reached should not release the heel, but, in the event of a fall and the attendant viclent lifting of the heel, such release is desirab e.

Such automatic release is provided in the preferred embodiment of the invention by disposing a pair of blocks Si) on the underside of the link member 52, these blocks being shown in Figure 6 as being suitably secured to the U-shaped members 68 and 69 on opposite sides of the bifurcated hook 74. Such blocks may be formed of a material which is resilient, or can be formed of metal and reliance placed upon the resiliency of the heel Se, which is often formed of rubber, or both the heel and the blocks can be formed of nonresilient material. Such blocks act as a resilient stop to limit the normal upper position of the heel when in engagement therewith, as shown in Figf ure 8. However, if the heel is lifted violently upward, as would be the case in a forward fall, the blocks 80 act as a fulcrum for the link member 52 in their engagement with the heel, thus permitting the link member 52 to pivot on this fulcrum.

As this link member moves toward a more nearly vertical position, the fulcrum action will draw the heel member 35 rearward against the forward pull exerted by the strap 30, and will thus pull the heel member generally rearward until the grooves i3 disengage the heel plate 4B, thus completely releasing the heel. As the toe of the shoe is held in the sole-retaining means i2 by forward pressure and as such a forward fall exerts a rearward reaction on the shoe, it will be apparent that the mechanism will completely release the shoe and save the skier from ankle or leg injuries.

Another important feature of the invention is the provision of a pressure-operated means for manual release of the shoe from the ski. Such release is very easily accomplished in the preferred embodiment merely by applying downward pressure to the upper link member 52 when the linkage is in the position shown in Figure 2. Such pressure can be applied either with the hand or with the other foot orski. Referring particularly to Figure 2, as the link member 52 is depressed, the pivotal axis B-B swings about the pivotal axis A-A, thus pulling the link member 52 and the heel member 35 rearward, the lower pad 45 of the heel member sliding along the top surface 22 of the ski. It will be readily apparent that only a small amount of rearward movement of the heel member will move the grooves i3 from the vicinity of the plate di] and release the heel. Furthermore, the leverage developed by the linkage during downward movement ofthe link member 52 is considerable and the downward force need not be large to pull the heel member 35 rearward against the forward bias thereof due to the strap 30 and the spring member 32.

Various changes and modications can be made Without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

l. In a ski-binding adapted to attach a shoe to a ski, a sole-retaining means including: means attached to said ski and extending upward therefrom to provide sole-engagement means adapted to receive the sole of said shoe and to position same a distance above the top of said ski; a sole platform means between said sole and the upper surface of said ski and providing an upper surface in engagement with the bottom of said sole; and a plurality of spacer elements removably mounted between said sole platform and said upper surface of the ski, said plurality of spacer elements supporting said sole platform and permitting change in the elevation of the sole platform to accommodate soles of different thickness.

2. Means to releasably attach a shoe to a ski in a manner permitting a given range of upward movement of the heel of the shoe relative to the ski, said means including: a heel member adapted for releasable connection with said heel of the shoe; means providing a pivot xed on the ski rearward of said heel member; and means supporting and guiding said heel member, said supporting and guiding means being rotatably mounted on said pivot, said supporting and guiding means and said pivot being constructed and arranged to permit said heel member to move with the heel of the shoe through said range and to move said heel member out of engagement with said heel of the shoe when the heel of the shoe moves upward out of said range.

3. A combination as defined in claim 2 which includes yielding means opposing upward movement of said heel member.

e. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski, the combination of a forwardly-disposed means for attaching the forward end of said shoe to said ski; a heel plate separate from but attachable to the bottom of the heel of said shoe, said heel plate having a pair of upwardlyfacing locking shoulders respectively on opposite sides of the forwardly-extending central axis of said heel; a heel member having a pair of downwardly-facing locking shoulders spaced for positive superimposed engagement respectively with said upwardly-facing locking shoulders to prevent upward movement of said heel plate relative to said heel member; means for movably mounting said heel member for movement toward and away from Said forwardly-disposed means and between an unlocking position in which said upwardly-facing and downwardly-facing locking shoulders are disengaged and a locking position in which these shoulders are in positive engagement; pressure-operated means for moving said heel member to and fro between said positions;

and a linkage pivotally connected with said heel member and adapted for pivotal connection with said ski fior limiting the up and down movement of said heel member to be in a plane substantially perpendicular to said ski.

5. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski for controlled relative movement between the ski and a heel of the shoe, the combination of: a forwardly-disposed means for attaching the forward end of said shoe to said ski; a first heel member adapted to be attached to said shoe; a second heel member, one of said heel members providing a groove and the other of said heel members providing a tongue means extensible into said groove to lock said heel members together; and guide means disposed rearward from said second heel member for guiding the up and down motion of said second heel member with respect to said ski and for unlocking said heel members, said guide means including a linkage constantly connecting said second heel member to said ski, said linkage comprising a first link member pivoted to said ski, a second link member disposed angularly with respect to said first link member and operatively connected to said second heel member, and means for operatively connecting said link members.

6. In a ski-binding, a releasable heel-attachment means comprising: a movable heel member; tongue-and-groove means extending substantially horizontally and mutually engageable to lock said heel member to said heel when said heel member is moved forwardly to a heel-locking position and to unlock said heel member and said heel when said heel member is moved rearwardly to a heel-unlocking position; means for biasing said heel member toward said heel-locking position; a linkage operatively interconnecting said heel member and said ski, said linkage including a link member pivoted to said heel member; and means carried by said link member and movable into engagement with said heel to move said heel member into heel-unlocking position in response to excessive upward movement of said heel member away from said ski.

'7. In a ski-binding, a relea-sable heel-attachment means including in combination: a heel plate adapted for connection to said heel and providing a pair of tongue means spaced on opposite sides of said heel; a heel member including a pair of upwardly-extending arms having forwardly-facing cam surfaces for sliding engagement respectively with said tongue means to move said heel member rearwardly a-s said heel plate is lowered toward the top of said ski, said heel member providing a pair of grooves below said cam surfaces and spaced to receive said tongue means; means for urging said heel member forward against the cam action of said tongue means during lowering of said heel plate to move said heel member forward when said tongue means reach a position opposite said grooves; and means for moving said heel member rearwardly a sufficient distance to disengage said tongue means from said grooves.

8. A combination as defined in claim 7, in which said last-named means for rearwardly moving said heel member includes a link member pivoted to said arms and means carried by said link member and engageable with said heel for drawing said heel member rearwardly with respect to said heel plate upon pivoting of said link member.

9. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski for controlled relative movement between the ski and a heel of the shoe, the combination of: forwardly-disposed means for securing the forward end of said shoe to said ski; an attachment means secured to said ski at a` position spaced rearward from said forwardly-disposed f means and providing a hinge axis extending transverse to said ski,said attachment means being secured to the ski rearward of the heel position of said ski; a heel member separate from and spaced rearward from said forwardly-disposed means to receive said heel; means for detachably connecting said heel member to said heel at spaced positions on opposite sides of the forwardly-extending central axis of said heel to prevent sidewise rocking of said heel with respect to said heel member; and a parallel-motion linkage operatively connecting said attachment means and said heel member to restrain said heel member to move up and down in an upright plane perpendicular to said hinge axis while maintaining a line transverse to said central axis oi said heel substantially parallel to said hinge axis during said up and down movement or" said heel member.

10. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski for relative movement between said ski and a heel or said shoe, the combination of: a heel member adapted to retain the heel of said shoe; means for guiding said heel member along a predetermined path in its up and down movement' with respect to said ski, said means including a linkage, means for pivotally connecting one end of said linkage to said ski, and means for pivotally connecting the other end of said linkage to said heel member to guide said heel member in said predetermined path; and means for exerting a resilient downward force on said heel member tending to move the latter toward said ski and including a exible member attached at opposite ends to said heel member and said ski, said combination including also a roller pivotally connected to said linkage, said flexible member engaging the surface of said roller at a position intermediate the ends of said flexible member.

11. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski for controlled relative movement between the ski and a heel of the shoe, the combination of: forwardly-disposed means for securing the forward end of said shoe to said ski; an attachment means secured to said ski at a position spaced rearward from said forwardly-disposed means and providing a hinge axis extending transverse to said ski; a heel member separate from and spaced rearward from said forwardlydisposed means to receive said heel, said heel member providing a pivot axis; and means for mounting said heel member to move up and down through a locus of motion in which a given point in said heel member remains substantially in a plane transverse to said hinge axis, said means including a rst link member providing an end connected to said attachment means to pivot about said hinge axis, a second link member providing an end attached to said heel member to pivot aboutr said pivot axis, means for pivoting the other ends of said link members together about another axis parallel to said hinge axis, releasable locking means for retaining said heel and said heel member together, and heel-engaging means carried by said second link member for unlocking said locking means to release said heel in response to excessive movement of said heel member away from said ski.

12. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski for controlled relative movement between the ski and a heel of the shoe, the combination of: forwardly-disposed means for securing the forward end of said shoe to said ski; an attachment means secured to said ski at a position spaced rearward from said forwardly-disposed means and providing a hinge axis extending transverse to said ski; a heel member separate from and spaced rearward from said forwardlydisposed means to receive said heel, said heel member providing a pivot axis; and means for mounting said heel member to move up and down through a locus of motion in which a given point in said heel member remains substantially in a plane transverse to said hinge axis, said means including a rst link member providing an end connected to said attachment means to pivot about said hinge axis, a second link member providing an end attached to said heel member to pivot about said pivot axis, means for pivoting the other ends of said link members together about another axis parallel to said hinge axis, and resilient means connected to said second link member for biasing same toward the upper surface of said ski thereby resiliently urging said heel member and the attached heel downward toward said upper surface of said ski.

13. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski for controlled relative movement between the ski and a heel of the sho-e, the combination of: forwardly-disposed means for securing the forward end of said shoe to said ski; an attachment means secured to said ski at a position spaced rearward from said forwardly-disposed means and providing a hinge axis extending transverse to said ski; a heel member separate from and spaced rearward from said forwardlydisposed means to receive said heel, said heel member providing a pivot axis; and means for mounting said heel member to move up and down through a locus of motion in which a given point in said heel member remains substantially in a plane transverse to said. hinge axis, said means including a rst link member providing an end connected to said attachment means to pivot about said hinge axis, a second link member providing an end attached to said heel member to pivot about said pivot axis, means for pivoting the other ends of said link members together about another axis parallel t0 said hinge axis, and means for biasing said heel member toward the upper surface of said ski, including a roller carried by said first link member and a iiexible member in contact with the periphery of said roller and operatively connected to said second link member.

14. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski, the combination of a heel member for releasable engagement with the heel of said shoe; attachment means providing a pivot on said ski rearward of said heel member; and a linkage disposed rearward of said heel member for constantly connecting said heel member and said ski for controlling the direction of motion of said heel member, said linkage providing one portion operatively connected to said heel member and another portion pivoted to said attachment means for guiding said heel member in its up and down motion relative to said ski, said linkage and heel member including releasable looking means for retaining said heel and said heel member together and means for unlocking said locking means to release said heel in response to excessive movement of said heel member away from said ski.

15. In means for connecting a ski with the heel of a shoe, the combination comprising: a movable heel member; means to lock said heel member on said heel; means adapted to engage said heel member to urge the latter forward of the ski; and rearward means connected with said heel member and adapted to be connected with a rearward portion of the ski to connect said heel niember with said ski and for selectively urging said heel member rearward to disengage said heel, said rearward means comprising a plurality of pivotally connected links adapted t-o be moved `to unlock said heel member from said heel.

16. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe having a heel to a ski, the combination of: a heel member having spaced sides and adapted for connection with said heel; linkage means pivotally connected at one end with said heel member and adapted to be pivotally connected at the other end with said ski, said linkage comprising a plurality of pivotally connected links, each link including a pair of spaced members, one end of each of the spaced members of one link being adapted to be connected against transverse rocking motion adjacent the sides of said ski, and one end of each of the members of another link being pivotally connected against transverse rocking motion with the spaced sides of said heel member, said links being provided with adjustable bearings at points of their pivotal connections; and adjusting means carried by one of said links for simultaneous adjustment of all of said bearings.

17. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe having a heel to a ski, the combination of: a heel member having spaced sides and adapted for connection with said heel; and linkage means pivotally connected at one end with said heel member and adapted t-o be pivotally connected at the other end with said ski, said linkage comprising a plurality of pivotally connected links, each link including a pair of spaced members, one end of each of the spaced members of one link being adapted to be connected against transverse rocking motion adjacent the sides of said ski, and one end of each of the members 0f another link being pivotally connected against transverse rocking motion with the spaced sides of said heel member, the spaced members of one of said links being pivotally connected together, the pivotal connections of said links providing adjustable bearings, and the spaced members of another of said links being provided with adjustable means for adjusting all of said bearings simultaneously.

18. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe having a heel to a ski, the combination of: a heel member having spaced sides and adapted for connection with said heel; and linkage means pivotally connected at one end with said heel member and adapted to be pivotally connected at the other end with said ski, said linkage comprising a plurality of pivotally connected links, each link including a pair of spaced members, one end of each of the spaced members of one link being adapted to be connected against transverse rocking motion adjacent the sides of said ski, and one end of each of the members of another link being pivotally connected against transverse rocking motion with the spaced sides of said heel member, pivotal connections of said links including adjustable conical bearings.

19. A combination according to claim 18 wherein spaced members of one link are pivotally connected together, and spaced members of a link adjacent said one link carry adjusting means for adjusting all of said conical bearings simultaneously.

20. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski for relative movement between said ski and a heel of said shoe, the combination of: a heel member; a linkage comprising a plurality of rigid links and transverse pivot means hingedly interconnecting the links, one of said links comprising spaced members which are pivotally connected together at an intermediate point between their respective ends; a transverse pivot means connecting one end of said linkage to said ski; and a transverse pivot means hingedly connecting the other end of said linkage to said heel member, said interconnecting pivot means and said two end pivot means being substantially parallel and being of sufficient lateral extent to coniine the articulation of the linkage substantially to a plane perpendicular to all of the pivot means thereby preventing sidewisc movement of said heel member with respect to said ski in its up and down movement relative to the ski.

21. A combination as deiined in claim 2i) including means for rigidily connecting said heel member to said heel at said other end of the linkage thereby to prevent sidewise rocking of said heel with respect to said ski during its up and down movement relative to the ski.

22. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski for controlled relative movement between the ski and a heel of the shoe, the combination of: a heel plate adapted for connection to said heel and providing tongue means on opposite sides of the forwardly-extending central axis of said heel; a heel member providing a pair of grooves spaced respectively to receive said tongue means; resilient means for urging said heel member in a forward direction; cam means provided by said heel member and engageable by said plate for moving said heel member rearwardly against the action of said resilient means when said heel plate is moved downwardly toward said ski toward a position in which said tongue means are horizontally opposite said grooves to permit said resilient means to then move said heel member forward so that said tongue means engage said grooves; and a linkage pivotally connected with said heel member and adapted for pivotal connection with said ski.

23. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe having a heel to a ski, the combination of a heel member having spaced sides and adapted for connection with said heel; linkage means pivotally connected at one end with said heel member and adapted to be pivotally connected at the other end with said ski, said linkage comprising a plurality of pivotally connected links, each link including a pair of members, one end of each of the members of one link being adapted to be connected against transverse rocking motion adjacent the sides of said ski, one end of each of the members of another link being pivotally connected against transverse rocking motion with the spaced sides of said heel member; a heel piece adapted to be secured to the heel of said shoe; means providing a snap action locking connection between said heel piece and said heel member; and means for urging said heel member forward of said ski to retain said connection.

24. A combination as in claim 23, including means for unlocking said snap action connection in response to excessive movement of said heel member away from said ski.

25. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a s ki for controlled relative movement between the ski and a heel of the shoe, the combination of: forwardly-disposed means for securing the forward end of said shoe to said ski; an attachment means secured to said ski at a position spaced rearward from said forwardly-disposed means and providing a hinge axis extending transverse to said ski; a heel member separate from and spaced rearward from said forwardlydisposed means to receive said heel, said heel member providing a pivot axis and having spaced pivot means spaced along said pivot axis; and means for mounting said heel member to move up and down through a locus of motion in which a given point in said heel member remains substantially in a plane transverse to said hinge axis and for preventing sidewise rocking of said heel member during such movement independent of the stiffness of the shoe sole, said means including a iirst laterally-rigid link member providing an end connected to said attachment means and having portions spaced along said hinge axis to insure that this link member shall pivot in said plane exclusively about said hinge axis to the exclusion of movement laterally of said plane, a second laterally-rigid link member providing an end attached to said spaced pivot means of said heel member to pivot about said pivot axis in a manner to prevent sidewise rocking of said heel member relative to said second link member, and means for pivoting the other ends of said link members together to move relative to each other exclusively about another axis parallel to said hinge axis, and in a manner to prevent sidewise rocking of said second link member relative to said rst link member and to limit movement of said second link member to be substantially exclusively in said plane, said last-named pivoting means including two pivot means carried by one of said link members and spaced along said other axis and pivot means carried by the other of said link members and disposed between said two spaced pivot means.

26. In a ski-binding adapted to connect a shoe to a ski for controlled relative movement between the ski and a heel of the shoe, the combination of: forwardly-disposed means for securing the forward end of said shoe to said ski; an attachment means secured to said ski at a position spaced rearward from said forwardly-disposed means and providing a hinge axis extending transverse to said ski; a heel member separate from and spaced rearward from said forwardlydisposed means to receive said heel; means for detachably connecting said heel member to said heel at spaced positions on opposite sides of the forwardly-extending central axis of said heel to prevent sidewise rocking of said heel with respect to said heel member, said detachably connecting means including releasable locking means for retaining Said heel and said heel member together; means for operatively connecting said attachment means and said heel member to guide said heel member to move up and down exclusively in a plane substantially perpendicular to said hinge axis; and heel-engaging means for unlocking said locking means to release said heel in response to excessive movement of said heel member away from said ski.

KNUT HENRICHSEN. 

